Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Coventry, CV2 2AJ · Coventry · secondary school
Check the area around this school
19th of 22 secondary schools in Coventry we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 5.9/10 against 566 of them, against 3.9/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 12 | 35% | 0.41 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 39.9 · 37 | 30% | 1.12 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.05 · 46 | 25% | 1.16 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 40.7 · 23 | 10% | 0.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.05 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.2 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,406 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,416. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8? How does the new inspection framework affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders have driven tangible improvements in attendance, behaviour, and personal development over the last three years. While pupils generally achieve well in Year 11 and feel safe and supported, the quality of teaching and curriculum consistency varies, particularly in the sixth form where A-level results remain below national averages.
Strengths
- Pupils’ attainment in national tests is “broadly in line with national averages,” with disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs achieving well.
- Attendance has improved noticeably and is now “very close to the national average” due to a more systematic approach to identifying barriers.
- Behaviour is high quality; classrooms are “calm places where pupils can focus on their learning,” and bullying is not tolerated.
- Inclusion is effective, with “well-considered and appropriate support” for pupils with barriers to learning, including those at early stages of learning English.
- Personal development is comprehensive, featuring a “well sequenced” curriculum that helps pupils understand risks and live healthy lives.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure the curriculum in all subjects is “well sequenced” and clearly sets out key knowledge and skills.
- Teachers need to effectively check pupils’ understanding and use this information to address “gaps, errors or misconceptions” in knowledge.
- Leaders should further develop provision for A-level students to ensure they “achieve highly,” as current results are significantly below average.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.6 |
| 2024/25 | 46.6 |
| 2025/26 | 40.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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